pruning Crepe Myrtle

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Astrablue Piedmont, SC(Zone 8a) Aug 15, 2013

Can I prune my CM's after they bloom instead of waiting till winter.

Post #9631797
Quote
tlm1 Jacksonville, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 15, 2013

I'd say yes…But please don't "murder" them, the way I see a lot of people here, in NE, FL. do!

After blooming, they tend to "top off" the tree…Wrong!!!! That's what we call Crepe Murder!

Cut back seed pods if you must, but please don't "top" your tree.

Post #9631816
Quote
Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Aug 15, 2013

I agree w/ TLM wholeheartedly.
I love crepe myrtle, despite it's being overplanted in the southeast.
It is a beautiful tree with fabulous bark and late flowering - always a plus.
But too many plants are mangled by topping - resulting in awkward sprouting halfway up the tree.
I think they should be pruned at ground level to isolate individual stems and highlight the beautiful bark characteristics. And pruning can be done now.

Post #9631888
Quote
tlm1 Jacksonville, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 15, 2013

Plant the right tree in the right place…Think about the mature height, width…It's best not to have to prune at all !!!!

Post #9631958
Quote
pirl (Arlene) Southold, NY(Zone 7a) Aug 16, 2013

I agree with Tim - plant the right tree for the space and don't prune a wonderful Crape Myrtle. I do remove the suckers at the base so the wonderful bark can show off.

We love the fall color on this one.

Thumbnail by pirl
Post #9632295
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP